2001 Saturn LS

○ Not enough data
2001 Saturn LS
BUILT 2026-09-02

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Saturn LS Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2001 highlighted. 2000: 382 complaints 2000 2001: 582 complaints 2001 2002: 493 complaints 2002 2004: 1 complaints 2004
2001: 582 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19990
2000382
2001582
2002493
20041

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 52%

52% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 305 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and belts and associated pulleys.

FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR, I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, A FIRE IN THE RESONATOR AND 4 OR 5 TIMES WHERE THE CAR JUST STOPS RUNNING AND I'M NOT ABLE TO GET IT TO START AGAIN FOR A WHILE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20140315

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 14%

14% of complaints: electrical system — 82 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing module and ignition.

CRASH FIRE DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SATURN L200. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER WOULD NOT ACTIVATE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120829

Also filed under EQUIPMENT

THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED. AS A RESULT THE CATAYLIC CONVERTOR MELTED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CATCH FIRE. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *PH

NHTSA ODI report, 20031112

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20020808

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 9%

9% of complaints: exterior lighting — 53 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tail lights and brake lights.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK, WHEN MY STEERING WHEEL STARTED SMOKING. IT LOOKED LIKE I WAS SMOKING 3 CIGARETTES. IT HAD A BLUE COLOR TO IT AND SMELLED LIKE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. MY BRIGHT LIGHTS FLASHED THEN STAYED ON.

NHTSA ODI report, 20031010

ENGINE 7%

7% of complaints: engine — 41 distinct reports on file.

STEERING 6%

6% of complaints: steering — 34 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rack and pinion and pump.

CRASH FIRE DEATH

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20000823 — air bags

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG SYSTEM. THE AIR BAG SYSTEM HAS A LOWER SIDE IMPACT SAFING SENSOR THRESHOLD THAN SPECIFIED. BECAUSE OF THIS REDUCED THRES

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE INFLATABLE RESTRAINT SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE ASSEMBLY.

Campaign 00V235000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20001027 — power train

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH THE TRANSAXLE SHIFT CABLE CLIP MISSING OR IMPROPERLY SEATED. WITHOUT THE CLIP,

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSAXLE SHIFT CABLE RETAINER CLIP TO VERIFY PROPER INSTALLATION AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE CLIP AND ADJUST THE CABLE TO SPECIFICATIONS.

Campaign 00V344000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20010129 — air bags

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND MINIVANS. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG INFLATOR MODULES WERE BUILT WITHOUT THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF GENERANT, WHICH PRODUCES THE GAS THAT FILLS THE A

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER AIR BAG MODULE. TELEPHONE CALLS WERE MADE TO OWNERS ON JANUARY 29, 2001. FOLLOW UP OWNER MAILING BEGAN ON APRIL 17, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN A

Campaign 01V026000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20021216 — air bags

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND MINI VANS, SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A PASSENGER AIR BAG THAT WAS MANUFACTURED WITHOUT A CHECK VALVE PIN. AN AIR BAG WITHOUT THE CHECK VALVE PIN COU

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PASSENGER AIR BAG. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 16, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DA

Campaign 02V329000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20030417 — PE (closed 20030825)

HEADLAMPS FLICKER OFF AND ON

R 20030701 — electrical system

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.2L L4 (L61) ENGINES, A FAILURE OF THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE MAY CAUSE DETERIORATION IN IDLE QUALITY, REDUCTION IN OVERALL ENGINE POWER, AND THE VEHICLE

Remedy: DEALERS WILL (1) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE, (2) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE AND SPARK PLUGS, OR (3) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE, SPARK PLUGS, AND UPDATE THE POWERTRAIN CONTRO

Campaign 03V231000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20050210 — DP (closed 20050222)

INOPERATIVE TAIL LAMPS

I 20050215 — PE (closed 20050603)

INOPERATIVE TAIL LAMPS

R 20051017 — exterior lighting

ON CERTAIN SEDANS AND WAGONS, THE PLASTIC HOUSING IN THE REAR TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CAN BECOME DISTORTED IF THE BRAKE LAMPS REMAIN ON FOR AN EXTENDED TIME.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL TWO NEW TAIL LAMP REINFORCING SOCKET ADAPTERS AND SOCKETS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876.

Campaign 05V245000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20051220 — DP (closed 20060206)

TIMING CHAIN FAILURE

I 20060124 — PE (closed 20060606)

TIMING CHAIN FAILURE

I 20060606 — EA (closed 20071109)

TIMING CHAIN FAILURE - STALL

R 20080115 — engine and engine cooling

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.2L 4-CYLINDER ENGINE, LINKS IN THE ENGINE'S TIMING CHAIN CAN SEPARATE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIMING CHAIN FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876.

Campaign 07V519000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20080618 — DP (closed 20081016)

TIMING CHAIN FAILURE-STALL

I 20081016 — PE (closed 20090408)

TIMING CHAIN BREAKS, ENGINE STALL

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2001 Saturn LS — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (305 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (82 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (53 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 00V235000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 00V344000 (power train) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 01V026000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 02V329000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 03V231000 (electrical system) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 05V245000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 07V519000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.

FAQ

Is the 2001 Saturn LS reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2001 Saturn LS?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 52% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2001 Saturn LS have?

7 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.